This
technique enables parameters such as Specific Heat Release Rate
(W/g), Heat of Combustion (J/g) and Ignition Temperature (°K)
to be quickly determined from very small (1-50mg) specimens.

The
UL 94 and the LOI are the two tests that have traditionally been
used by the plastics industry to define flammability or resistance
to ignition by flames. Three ranges of materials flammability are
typically identified and can be determined by comparing Heat Release
Capacity (HRC) with results from the standard UL94 flammability
tests and LOI. These are:

Materials
with an HRC above 400 J/g-K will continue to burn after exposure
to the UL94 (Bunsen) flame .The materials commonly show LOI values
of less than 21%.

Materials
with Heat Release Capacities between 200 and 400 J/g-K burn slowly
or not at all, when exposed to the small flames as indicated by
UL94 V ratings and LOI above 21%.

Materials
with Heat Release Capacities below 200 J/g-K do not ignite after brief
exposure to small flames (UL94) and have LOI > 35%.

Expertise
has been developed with specification committee representation,
the use of a wide range of international standards and specialist
analytical techniques in a fully equipped laboratory.
The test facilities based at Haslar enable materials to be evaluated
quickly for smoke, toxic gas production, flame spread, heat release
and many other fire related parameters.